Well, my friends, it is that time of year again ...
It is an annual tradition of mine to write stories for my friends and people who have helped me throughout the year. Some people like to think of these as holiday gifts, and that is fine, but I have come to think of them more as falling between the American Thanksgiving holiday and the New Year. For me, this reflects my gratitude towards people who lend me help, encouragement, and friendship as well as capping off the year in (I hope) a positive way. That it falls also during a season when gift-giving is practiced by many of us is an extra bonus.
So, as with years past, I would like to ask requests from those of you who would like something specific written for you.
Now I have few rules, but my number-one rule is this: I do not want to hear any whining along the lines of, "But I don't deserve anything," or, "You don't count me as a close friend so I was afraid to ask," or, "Well, you have people who write so many more comments than I do."
This is not a contest, people. I'm not doling out stories to those who I felt performed best this year in hopes that they will continue in the years to come ... I am hopefully giving something meaningful to people who share my interests or ideals and hopefully bringing a spot of joy into the lives of friends and peers during a time that tends to be hectic and stressful.
So. If you want a story written for you,
ask for it.I don't care how many of my stories you read this year. How many comments you left in my LJ. Or even if we've ever "spoken" at all. If you want a story written for you, then I am happy to write it. Just ask.
Of course, there are some of you who will get a story whether you ask for one or not. Still, feel free to make a request. (In fact ... please do! Sometimes the inspiration wears a little thin when writing a dozen requests for "something you know I'd like." ;)
( What I Will Write ... Cut to Preserve Flist Space )Finally, I ask only one thing of those who make requests. When you get your story, please let me know. Now I'm not asking for comments, praise, or even a thanks; I'm not even asking you to read the darned thing. I'm just asking you to let me know that you are aware that it exists. Two words--"got it"--serve that purpose just fine.
If I don't hear from you, don't worry, I will track you down and will not be annoyed at having to do so. So this definitely isn't an underhanded ploy to get you to read my journal every day. But if I track you down and you fix me with an innocent stare and say, "Oh, yes, I read it three months ago ..." Well, I can't make any guarantees about possible annoyance. ;)
Of course, if you don't make a request and I write something anyway, I don't expect any sort of notice or acknowledgement at all.
Also, for the record, comments are screened, and I won't be replying to your request unless I have a question. I know that people other than the requestee read these pieces, so I'm trying to keep a little element of surprise this year. Depending on the number of requests and the State of the NaNo, I hope to start posting these within the next week and posting one a day until they're all finished.
Finally (really), you're always welcome to email your requests to
DawnFelagund@gmail.com, and this offer isn't only open to people on LJ.